Camping assembly with a storage box and a tent

ABSTRACT

A camping assembly may be in the form of a folding camper and comprises a canopy which effectively provides a tent canopy for the folding camper. The folding camper also comprises a framework to maintain the tent canopy in a raised configuration to provide an accommodation space within the folding camper in the assembled configuration. The framework includes a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame comprises a front airbeam, an intermediate airbeam and a rear airbeam, each of which comprises a curved or hooped inflatable airbeam. The rear frame comprises front intermediate and rear airbeams, each of which comprises a curved or hooped airbeam. A folding camper which is assembled by simultaneously inflating a single airbeam network to put the canopy in tension and to make the canopy taut. The folding camper does not require any auxiliary tensioning system or mechanism for the canopy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a camping assembly and a method oferecting a camping assembly. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a folding camper and method of erecting a folding camper.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Folding campers provide an alternative to caravans and tents. Foldingcampers generally comprise a trailer containing a tent canopy which iserected over the trailer to provide an accommodation space. The trailerprovides a rigid floor spaced from the ground on which various fixturesand fittings can be supported.

Folding campers thereby provide an alternative to caravans and alsoprovide many advantages over caravans. For example, when a foldingcamper is folded down, the trailer is significantly more compact than acaravan. A folding camper is, therefore, easier to store and isgenerally easier and safer to tow. Furthermore, a folding camper issignificantly lighter than a caravan and is easier to manoeuvre.However, a folding camper is still able to provide a generally spaciousaccommodation area compared to a trailer tent or conventional tent.

In addition, the folding camper may provide a support frame on whichbikes and other outdoor apparatus can be supported whilst towing. Thefolding camper provides a trailer when in the towing configuration onwhich this apparatus can be easily transported.

Folding campers are also cheaper than caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Folding campers provide a camping experience but also providesufficient storage space for fitted fridges, toilets, ovens etc.Accordingly, folding campers provide the equipment and accommodationlevel similar to a caravan/motor home whilst benefitting from arelatively compact storage and towing size.

Unlike a caravan/motor home, a folding camper must be assembled oncelocated at the pitch. This may involve quite complicated steps includingthe insertion of poles for the tent canopy and/or the insertion of sidepanels to form the sides of the accommodation space. This can leave theinterior open to the elements during assembly and, subsequently, thefixtures and fittings may get wet and/or damaged during the assembly ofthe accommodation space.

Furthermore, folding campers generally require a lot of effort in theassembly and this can deter users from using folding campers.Accordingly, the assembly and disassembly of a folding camper can be atime consuming and difficult task which may require more than one personand may also leave the interior temporarily exposed to the elementswhich can cause any internal (electrical) equipment to be damaged.

In prior art arrangements, the internal fittings may cause the angledtent poles and/or the associated canopy to snag whilst being moved to anassembled configuration. In addition, folding campers may utilise anawning channel whilst being deployed and this requires a part of thecanopy to move through this channel. Over time, this can cause wear andtear on the canopy and this can eventually lead to tears or rips withinthe canopy.

Finally, a canopy of a folding camper also requires guy (guide) ropes tosupport the flexible canopy and to ensure that the canopy is taut andcan withstand the weather and, in particular, high winds. This adds tothe complexity and time involved in erecting the folding camper. Inaddition, these guy (guide) ropes increase the overall footprint of thefolding camper and may provide a hazard around the immediate vicinity.

Folding campers and/or a similar camping assembly may be provided on thetop of a vehicle, for example on top of a campervan, van or 4x4 vehicle.In addition, a folding camper and/or a similar camping assembly may beprovided on the back of a pick up truck. Furthermore, a folding camperand/or a similar camping assembly may be located within a transportationbox from which the canopy structure emerges and folds outwardlytherefrom. The present invention may be particularly applicable with allof these types of folding campers and/or similar camping assembliesalthough the present invention is not limited to these specificexamples.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problemassociated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided acamping assembly comprising a storage box and a tent, wherein thestorage box is arranged to contain the tent in a transportationconfiguration and wherein the tent is arranged to be assembled from thestorage box whilst remaining attached to the storage box,

-   -   the tent comprising a canopy secured to a support structure for        supporting the canopy in an assembled configuration;    -   wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of lateral        inflatable support members;    -   wherein, in the assembled configuration, the box provides a        fixed footprint about which the canopy is secured and the        support structure tensions the canopy in the assembled        configuration; and    -   wherein the canopy is secured to the box in the transportation        configuration and the canopy is secured to the box in the        assembled configuration such that the canopy remains secured to        the storage box as the tent is assembled from the transportation        configuration to the assembled configuration.

Preferably the storage box comprises a rigid cover.

The lateral support members extend laterally across the tent (andcanopy) and one or more longitudinal support member may extendlongitudinally along the tent (and canopy).

Preferably the support structure comprises the plurality of lateralinflatable support members and a single central longitudinal(inflatable) support member.

Preferably the storage box has a longitudinal length extending from afirst end to a second end. In an assembled configuration, the lateralsupport members may extend laterally across the storage box. The campingassembly may comprise a longitudinal support member which, in theassembled configuration, may extend longitudinally along the storagebox.

In an assembled configuration, the lateral support members may extendlongitudinally along the storage box. The camping assembly may comprisea longitudinal support member which, in the assembled configuration, mayextend laterally across the storage box.

The camping assembly may comprise a wheeled vehicle. The wheeled vehiclemay be motorised or may be arranged to be towed behind a motor vehicle.

The box may be arranged to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The boxmay be mounted on a van and/or a 4x4 vehicle.

The box may be arranged to be mounted on a rear of a vehicle. The boxmay be arranged to be mounted on a rear of a pick up style vehicle.

The camping assembly may comprise a folding camper and the foldingcamper preferably comprises a wheeled rigid trailer providing the boxand the box having a longitudinal length extending from a first end to asecond end.

The box may be arranged to be transported and a base of the box may bearranged to be supported (directly) on a ground surface.

Preferably the box provides a fixed footprint about which the canopy issecured and preferably the support structure solely tensions the canopyin the assembled configuration.

Preferably the support structure comprises a longitudinal supportmember.

Preferably each lateral inflatable support member is arranged to extendfrom adjacent to a first lateral side of the storage box to a secondlateral side of the storage box.

Preferably the lateral inflatable members comprise lateral airbeams.

The longitudinal support member may comprise a longitudinal inflatablesupport member. The longitudinal inflatable support member may comprisea longitudinal airbeam.

Preferably the lateral inflatable support members provide a first frameand a second frame.

Preferably the lateral inflatable support members provide a centrallateral inflatable support member located between the first frame andthe second frame.

Preferably the longitudinal (inflatable) support member extends from thefirst longitudinal end of the folding camper to the second longitudinalend of the folding camper.

Preferably the longitudinal (inflatable) support member extendscentrally along a central line between lateral sides of the foldingcamper.

Preferably the longitudinal (inflatable) support member is arranged, inan assembled (inflated) configuration, to locate within a substantiallyvertical plane.

Preferably each lateral inflatable support member provides a singlecurved lateral support member.

Preferably the longitudinal (inflatable) support member comprises anangled longitudinal support member.

The longitudinal (inflatable) support member may comprise (inflatable)sections spanning/extending between adjacent lateral support members.The longitudinal (inflatable) support member may comprise linear(inflatable) sections spanning/extending between adjacent lateralsupport members.

The longitudinal (inflatable) support member may provide a curvedlongitudinal (inflatable) support member.

Preferably the longitudinal (inflatable) support member forms asubstantially rigid spine along the length of the canopy in theassembled configuration.

Preferably the lateral inflatable support members form lateral spinesacross the width of the canopy in the assembled configuration.

Preferably each lateral and/or longitudinal (inflatable) support memberis (permanently) attached or remains attached to the canopy in thetransportation configuration and in the assembled configuration andremain attached to the canopy as the tents is assembled from thetransportation configuration to the assembled configuration.

Preferably the tent assembly (folding camper) comprises a compressor.Preferably the compressor is arranged to inflate each inflatable supportmember from a stored configuration to an assembled configuration.Preferably the compressor comprises an electric compressor. Preferablythe electric compressor comprises a power source. The power source maycomprise a leisure battery.

The tent assembly (folding camper) may comprise deflation means todeflate the inflatable support members.

Preferably the deflation means is provided by the compressor. Preferablythe compressor draws air from the inflatable support members and thismay transform the canopy from the assembled configuration to a collapsedconfiguration.

The tent assembly (folding camper) may comprise a storage compartmentfor storing a compressor therein. Preferably the storage compartmentcomprises a cover for concealing and/or accessing the compressor.

Preferably the canopy is solely supported by the (inflatable) supportmembers in an assembled configuration.

Preferably the canopy is maintained in a taut condition solely by the(inflatable) support members.

Preferably each inflatable support member provides a compressed airchamber.

Preferably each inflatable support member comprises an outer sleeve andan inner tube. Preferably the inner tube provides an inflatable chamberfor compressed air. Preferably the inner tube provides an inflatablebladder for compressed air.

Each inflatable support member may comprise a series of linked and/orcontiguous inner tube sections. Adjacent inner tube sections may beconnected together by a connector. The connector may comprise aconnecting valve. The connecting valve may comprise a valve switch toselectively connect or isolate the chambers of two adjacent inner tubesections.

Each inner tube section may comprises isolation means to isolate theinternal chamber from adjacent inner tube section(s). The isolationmeans may comprise a valve located at one or both ends of the inner tubesection.

The lateral inflatable support members and the longitudinal inflatablesupport member may provide a single inflatable network. The singleinflatable network may be connected to a single inflation means.

Preferably the canopy is fixed around a lower periphery to a rigidperiphery provided by the trailer (storage box). The fixed lowerperiphery may comprise an unfixed (or unsecured or releasable) portionto provide a door opening or access portion or other opening.

Preferably a lower periphery of the canopy is fixed in a staticconfiguration (non-movable) or arrangement to a rigid periphery providedby the trailer (storage box).

Preferably a lower periphery of the canopy is fixed and gripped/clampedin a static configuration (non-movable) or arrangement to a rigidperiphery provided by the trailer (storage box).

Preferably a lower periphery of the canopy is not movable and may beimmovably retained to a rigid periphery provided by the trailer (storagebox).

Preferably the trailer (storage box) provides a fixed footprint aboutwhich the canopy is secured and the airbeam network (or supportstructure) solely tensions the canopy in the assembled configuration.

Preferably the fixed footprint comprises a securing periphery to whichthe canopy is secured. The canopy (and preferably a lower edge of thecanopy) may be secured around the complete periphery thereof. The canopymay have one or more releasable sections to release the canopy from thesecuring periphery and the releasable section may provide anopening(s)/door(s)/window(s)/access portion(s).

Preferably the canopy is fixed around at least a part of the canopy to apart of a rigid periphery provided by the box. Preferably at least apart of the canopy is fixed in a static configuration (non-movable) orarrangement to a rigid portion provided by the box. Preferably at leasta part of the canopy is fixed and gripped/clamped in a staticconfiguration (non-movable) or arrangement to a rigid periphery portionprovided by the box. Preferably at least a part of the canopy is notmovable and may be immovably retained to a rigid portion provided by thebox. Preferably the box provides a fixed anchorage to which the canopyis secured and the airbeam network (or support structure) solelytensions the canopy in the assembled configuration and preferablywithout the use of any rigid and/or semi rigid support poles.

Preferably the rigid cover comprises a first cover section and a secondcover section and both cover sections are pivotally connected to thetrailer (storage box).

The first cover section and/or the second cover section may be pivotallyconnected to lateral side(s) of the storage box. A first accommodationarea may be arranged to extend outwardly from one or both lateral sidesof the storage box.

The first cover section and/or the second cover section may be pivotallyconnected to the longitudinal sides of the box. A first accommodationarea may be arranged to extend outwardly from one or both longitudinalsides of the storage box.

Preferably the rigid cover provides a loading platform in atransit/storage configuration.

Preferably the box has a lateral width extending from a first side to asecond side.

Preferably the lateral airbeams extend from the first side to the secondside.

Preferably the longitudinal airbeam extends from the first end to thesecond end.

Preferably the longitudinal airbeam locates centrally midway between thefirst side and the second side. Preferably in the inflated configurationthe longitudinal airbeam locates substantially parallel to the firstside and the second side.

Preferably the folding camper comprises a single longitudinal airbeam.

The longitudinal support member may extend between a front (andpreferably the front most) lateral support member and a rear (andpreferably the rear most) lateral support member. The longitudinalsupport member may extend between adjacent pairs of lateral supportmembers. The longitudinal support member may comprise sections each ofwhich extends between an adjacent pair of lateral support members.

The longitudinal support member may comprise an uninflatable member.

The longitudinal support member may comprise a tension strap. Thetension strap may be adjustable to adjust the tension within the strap.The tension strap may have one or more tension devices which may belocated at or towards one or each end thereof. The tension device maycomprise a buckle system or a ratchet system. The tension strap maycomprise a textile strap.

The longitudinal support member may comprise a rigid pole or asubstantially rigid pole. The rigid pole may comprise an adjustablelength. The rigid pole may be extendable and retractable. The rigid polemay be telescopic. The rigid pole may comprise a number of sections andthe length of each section may be adjustable. Each section may betelescopic.

The longitudinal support member may comprise a flexi pole. The flexipole may be shaped and/or curved.

Preferably the folding camper comprises a plurality of lateral airbeams.Preferably the folding camper comprises a first frame of lateralairbeams. Preferably the folding camper comprises a second frame oflateral airbeams. Preferably the folding camper comprises a centrallateral airbeams which locates between the first frame and the secondframe.

The lengths of the lateral airbeams may be different.

Preferably the first frame comprises three lateral airbeams and this maycomprise a front airbeam, a middle airbeam and a rear airbeam. Thelength of each airbeam within the first frame may be different. Thelength of the front airbeam may be greater than the length of the middleairbeam. The length of the rear airbeam may be greater than the frontairbeam and/or the middle airbeam.

Preferably the second frame comprises three lateral airbeams and thismay comprise a front airbeam, a middle airbeam and a rear airbeam. Thelength of each airbeam within the second frame may be different. Thelength of the front airbeam may be greater than the length of the middleairbeam. The length of the rear airbeam may be greater than the frontairbeam and/or the middle airbeam.

Preferably each lateral airbeam within the front frame has tworespective longitudinal ends which are permanently fixed to respectivefront connectors to provide airflow between the airbeams and equalisethe pressure within the airbeams and also to synchronise theinflation/deflation of the airbeams.

Preferably each lateral airbeam within the rear frame has two respectivelongitudinal ends which are permanently fixed to respective rearconnectors to provide airflow between the airbeams and equalise thepressure within the airbeams and also to synchronise theinflation/deflation of the airbeams.

Preferably in the assembled configuration, the folding camper comprisesthree lateral airbeams located in parallel vertical planes which mayprovide a central accommodation area. Preferably the centralaccommodation area provides an increased height area compared to endsleeping accommodation areas which may be provide at a front end and ata rear end.

In the assembled configuration, the canopy is solely supported by thesupport structure such that the height of the tent is provided by thesupport structure and the lateral and longitudinal stability is providedby the support structure (longitudinal and lateral support members),canopy and footprint securement provided by the storage box.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda folding camper comprising:

-   -   a wheeled rigid trailer comprising a box;    -   the wheeled rigid trailer comprising a rigid cover;    -   a canopy secured to a support structure for supporting the        canopy in an assembled configuration;    -   wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of lateral        inflatable support members and a longitudinal support member.

Preferably the box has a longitudinal length extending from a first endto a second end.

Preferably the longitudinal support member comprises an inflatablelongitudinal support member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of assembling a camping assembly, the camping assemblycomprising:

-   -   a storage box and a tent, wherein the storage box is arranged to        contain the tent in a transportation configuration and wherein        the tent is arranged to be assembled from the storage box whilst        remaining attached to the storage box,        -   the tent comprising a canopy secured to a support structure            for supporting the canopy in an assembled configuration;    -   wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of lateral        inflatable support members;    -   wherein, in the assembled configuration, the box provides a        fixed footprint about which the canopy is secured and the        support structure tensions the canopy in the assembled        configuration; and    -   wherein the canopy is secured to the box in the transportation        configuration and the canopy is secured to the box in the        assembled configuration such that the canopy remains secured to        the storage box as the tent is assembled from the transportation        configuration to the assembled configuration;    -   the method comprising:    -   maintaining the canopy secured to the storage box as the tent is        assembled from the transportation configuration to the assembled        configuration; and    -   inflating the support structure comprising a plurality of        lateral inflatable support members.

Preferably the storage box has a longitudinal length extending from afirst end to a second end.

Preferably the method comprises opening the storage box and folding thetent assembly outwardly therefrom.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of assembling a folding camper a folding camper, the foldingcamper comprising:

-   -   a wheeled rigid trailer comprising a box;    -   the wheeled rigid trailer comprising a rigid cover; and    -   a canopy secured to a support structure for supporting the        canopy in an assembled configuration;    -   the method comprising:    -   inflating a support structure comprising a plurality of lateral        inflatable support members and a longitudinal inflatable support        member.

Preferably the box has a longitudinal length extending from a first endto a second end.

Preferably the method comprises solely supporting the canopy with theinflated support structure in an assembled configuration.

Preferably the method comprises solely tensioning the canopy with theinflated support structure in the assembled configuration.

Preferably the method comprises inflating the support structure using asingle air inlet valve.

Preferably the method comprises inflating the support structure with anintegral compressed air supply. Preferably the method comprises poweringthe compressed air supply with an integral battery and preferably with aleisure battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, withreference to the drawings that follow, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a camping assembly inan assembled configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a campingassembly in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a campingassembly in an assembled configuration

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E show the assembly sequence of a preferred embodimentof a camping assembly;

FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E show the assembly sequence of a second preferredembodiment of a camping assembly;

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E show the assembly sequence of a third preferredembodiment of a camping assembly;

FIG. 7A to FIG. 7E show the assembly sequence of a fourth preferredembodiment of a camping assembly;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a part of an embodiment of the tent in anassembled configuration;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a part of another embodiment of the tent in anassembled configuration;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show a part of a further embodiment of the tent inan assembled configuration;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show a part of a yet further embodiment of thetent in an assembled configuration; and

FIG. 12 schematically depicts adjacent inner tube sections 120, 121connected together by a connector 122 comprising a connecting valve 123.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A to 4E, a campingassembly in the form of a folding camper 10 comprises a trailer (storagebox) 12 mounted on wheels 14 and includes a tow bar coupling (tow hitch)16 in order to secure the folding camper to a towing vehicle (notshown). The trailer 12 comprises a rigid box with two side walls and twoend walls. The trailer 12 provides a storage box for the tent assembly.The storage box is arranged to store the tent for transportation andstorage purposes. The box comprises a rigid box to protect the tent andalso enables further apparatus/equipment to be mounted on top of thebox, if required.

The term folding camper 10 is used to include a tent which foldsoutwardly from a storage box and in which the tent remains attached tothe box during the assembly process. In addition, the tent canopy isarranged to be solely tensioned and maintained in an assembledconfiguration by the associated (integral) support structure such thatguy ropes or any other similar external tensioning mechanisms are notrequired. The storage box opens to provide a footprint for the tent inthe assembled configuration. In particular, the canopy is secured aroundan edge of the storage box which thereby defines the (base) footprintfor the tent. This footprint may be defined by the lateral edges of thestorage box together with the lateral edges 61, 65 of the covers of thestorage box and the distal edges of the covers, i.e. the edges of thecovers which are spaced from an associated hinge mechanism (or similararticulating/connecting mechanism) between the covers and the storagebox 12.

The trailer 12 also comprises a rigid cover comprising a first sectionand a second section. The first section comprises a rigid front coversection 22 or panel. The rigid front cover section 22 is pivotallyconnected along one edge (a front edge) to a wall of the box 18 of thetrailer 12. Similarly, the second section comprises a rigid rear coversection 24 or panel. The rigid rear cover section 24 is pivotallyconnected along one edge (a rear edge) to a wall of the box 18 of thetrailer 12.

In particular, the rigid front cover section 22 comprises a front bedtray which is arranged to extend out from the box 18 in the assembledconfiguration in order to provide a solid raised sleeping area oranother accommodation area. Similarly, the rigid rear cover section 24comprises a rear bed tray which is arranged to extend out from the box18 in the assembled configuration in order to provide a solid raisedsleeping area or another accommodation area. The folding camper 10provides a central accommodation area located between these two sleepingareas.

In the transit/stored configuration, the front cover section 22 and therear cover section are in a closed position and close an internal spaceof the box 18. The box 18 thereby securely contains the interiorcomponents of the folding camper 10 within an entirely rigid container.In this transit configuration, the upper surface of the trailer providesa platform on which items can be transported. For example, a mountingframe or rack may be used to enable bicycles, kayaks, motorbikes, wetbikes, jet skis etc. to be secured and transported with the trailer 12.

A front top edge of the box 18 comprises a linear hinge 48 whichpivotally connects an edge of the front cover section 22. The linearhinge 48 extends along the full length of the connecting edge of thefront cover section 22. Accordingly, from the stored configuration, thefront cover section 22 can be pivoted over the front edge of the box 18in order to move from a position in which the front cover section 22closes the box 18 to a position in which the front cover section 22extends substantially horizontally outwards from the front edge of thebox 18. The folding camper 10 may include reinforcement means in orderto retain the front cover section 22 in this (assembled) raisedhorizontal position. The reinforcement means comprises a front supportarm which extends upwardly at an angle from a lower position on the box18 to the underside of the front cover section 22. The front support armprovides a reinforcement strut. In the preferred embodiment the bed trayprovides a double bed sized sleeping area.

The rear cover section 24 is provided in the same way as the front coversection. A front rear edge of the box 18 comprises a linear hinge 49which pivotally connects an edge of the rear cover section 24. Thelinear hinge 49 extends along the full length of the connecting edge ofthe rear cover section 24. Accordingly, from the stored configuration,the rear cover section 24 can be pivoted over the rear edge of the box18 in order to move from a position in which the rear cover section 24closes the box 18 to a position in which the rear cover section 24extends substantially horizontally outwards from the rear edge of thebox 18. The folding camper 10 may include reinforcement means in orderto retain the rear cover section 24 in this (assembled) raisedhorizontal position. The reinforcement means comprises a rear supportarm which extends upwardly at an angle from a lower position on the box18 to the underside of the rear cover section 24. The rear support armprovides a reinforcement strut. In the preferred embodiment the bed trayprovides a double bed sized sleeping area. Accordingly, the foldingcamper 10 provides two equally sized double bed sleeping area at thelongitudinal ends of the folding camper 10.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may have unequallysized bed trays/sleeping areas and the associated cover section may beof unequal sizes.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the folding camper 10 comprises acanopy 30 which effectively provides a tent canopy 30 for the foldingcamper 10. The folding camper 10 also comprises a framework 32 (ofairbeams) to maintain the tent canopy 30 in a raised configuration inorder to provide an accommodation space within the folding camper 10 inthe assembled configuration.

The framework 32 includes a front frame 34 and a rear frame 36. Thefront frame 34 is arranged to raise and maintain the front part of thetent canopy 30 in a raised and elevated position whilst the rear frame36 is arranged to raise and maintain the rear part of the tent canopy 30in an elevated and raised position. A central part of the tent canopy 30is arranged to span between the front frame 34 and the rear frame 36 toprovide the central accommodation area.

The front frame 34 comprises a plurality of airbeams 40 and, in thepreferred embodiment, the front frame comprises three airbeams 41, 42,43. The three airbeams include a front airbeam 41, an intermediateairbeam 42 and a rear airbeam 43. Each of the airbeams 41, 42, 43comprises a curved or hooped inflatable airbeam.

The airbeams 40 of the front frame 34 are all connected or attached tothe tent canopy 30 and the airbeams 40 may be substantially integralwith the tent canopy 30. The airbeams 40 are arranged, in the assembledconfiguration, to be spaced apart with a section of the tent canopy 30extending between adjacent airbeams 40. Accordingly in the assembledconfiguration, the front frame 40 maintains the tent canopy in a raisedposition over the front cover section 22. This may provide a firstsleeping area.

Similarly, the rear frame 36 comprises a plurality of airbeams 44 and,in the preferred embodiment, the rear frame 36 comprises three airbeams45, 46, 47. The three airbeams 45, 46, 47 include a front airbeam 45, anintermediate airbeam 46 and a rear airbeam 47. Each of the airbeams 45,46, 47 comprises a curved or hooped airbeam.

The airbeam framework/network includes a longitudinal support member 80in the form of a single central longitudinal airbeam 80 which maintainsthe canopy on a tensioned and/or taut state in the assembledconfiguration. This airbeam is provided in sections with individualsections spanning or extending between adjacent lateral airbeams. Thesesections may be linear between adjacent lateral airbeams. Each sectionmay include an inner tube with a connecting intersection being providedat the junction between the lateral airbeam and the longitudinalairbeam. The longitudinal airbeam 80 thereby retains the separationdistances between the lateral airbeams and strengthens theframework/network structure.

The longitudinal airbeam 80 is interconnected with the lateral airbeamssuch that all of the airbeams are simultaneously inflated and retainedat an equal pressure. Without the single longitudinal airbeam 80 thelateral airbeams may have a tendency to be concertinaed together understress, for example due to winds. The longitudinal airbeam 80 prevent orinhibits such movement.

The airbeams 44 of the rear frame are all connected or attached to thetent canopy 30 and the airbeams 44 may be substantially integral withthe tent canopy 30. The airbeams 44 are arranged, in the assembledconfiguration, to be spaced apart with a section of the tent canopy 30extending between adjacent airbeams 44. Accordingly in the assembledconfiguration, the rear frame 36 maintains the tent canopy in a raisedposition over the rear cover section 24. This may provide a secondsleeping area.

A middle section of the tent canopy 30 extends between the rear airbeam43 of the front frame 40 and the front airbeam 45 of the rear frame 44.This middle section of the tent canopy 30 may provide two opposing sidewalls and a ceiling for the accommodation area of the folding camper.These wall sections may include window areas and a door(s).

The securement of the frames 34, 36 to the tent canopy 30 is designed toprovide an intrinsic tension in the tent canopy 30 such that thematerial of the tent canopy 30 is held in a naturally taut state as theairbeams are inflated to operating pressure.

The canopy 30 is secured around substantially a full lower periphery tothe front cover section 22, the rear cover section 24 and the box 18 andin which substantially the full lower periphery of the canopy 30 remainsattached to securement means as the cover sections move from the storagepositions to the assembled positions and the airbeams are subsequentlyinflated.

The securement means is provided along both lateral sides 91 of the box18. The securement means is provided adjacent to or towards the upperlateral edges of the box 18. The securement means provides a non-securedsection, for example to provide a door space/opening. The securementmeans provides a continuous fixing of the lower edge of the canopy 30.For example, a lower hemmed edge of the canopy 30 may be gripped, fixedor clamped within a holding or clamping portion/edge. This hemmed fixededge does not move and is statically fixed. This helps to reduce wearand tear on the canopy fabric. The trailer provides a fixed footprintwhich is permanently fixed to the lower edge or hem of the canopy. Theairbeam network (in the inflated condition) thereby solely provides theintrinsic tension required in the canopy without the requirement of guyropes or other tensioning fixing components and devices.

The securement means is provided along both lateral sides of the frontcover section 22 and the front edge 60 of the front cover section 22.Similarly, the securement means is provided along both lateral sides ofthe rear cover section 24 and a rear edge 66 of the rear cover section24.

The lateral sides 91 of the box also provide upper fixing edges 93.

The securement means may comprise a fixed/static securement system. Thesecurement means provides fixed rail/channel provided on the box 18, thefront cover section 22 and the rear cover section 24 into which fixingmembers around the canopy are retained therein. In particular, the lowerperipheral edge of the tent canopy 30 includes a rod which is attachedat the lower extent. For example, the rod may be provided in a hem ofthe canopy. Each securement edge of the box 18, the front cover section22 and the rear cover section 24 comprise an elongate securementchannel/rail. The securement system thereby effectively seals thecomplete interior of the folding camper 10 during assembly, packing andin the assembled state.

Prior art systems may utilise non-fixed systems whereby the canopy ismoved into and out of position. This causes the canopy to suffer fromsignificant wear and tear with use and eventually leads to failures.

The airbeams 41, 42, 43 of the front frame 34 extend from a firstconnector 50 mounted on a first lateral side 91 of the box 18 to asecond connector 50 mounted on a second opposite lateral side 91 of thebox 18. Each airbeam 41, 42, 43 has two respective longitudinal endswhich are permanently fixed to the respective connectors 50. Theconnectors 50 provide airflow between the airbeams and equalise thepressure within the airbeams and also synchronise theinflation/deflation of the airbeams 41, 42, 43.

The connectors 50 may be provided on brackets mounted adjacent to thefront corners of the box 18 and also adjacent to the top edge of the box18.

The longitudinal ends of the airbeams 41, 42, 43 are fixed to thebrackets or connectors 50 such that the airbeams 41, 42, 43 are inflatedbetween the brackets.

The tent canopy 30 is secured at a front edge to an edge of the frontcover section 22 which is opposite the hinged edge of the front coversection 22. The tent canopy 30 is also secured to the side edges of thefront cover section 22. Accordingly, the front cover section 22 israised by the inflation of the front airbeams 41, 42, 43 due to the endsof the airbeams 41, 42, 43 being fixed relative to the trailer.Similarly, the rear cover section 24 is raised by the inflation of therear airbeams 45, 46, 47 due to the ends of the airbeams 45, 46, 47being fixed relative to the trailer. The inflation of the front airbeams41, 42, 43 and the rear airbeams 45, 46, 47 causes the central sectionof the canopy 30 to also be raised. The central lateral airbeam 49further raises and shape this central section of the canopy 30 to enablea central roof section to be formed.

The airbeams comprise outer sleeves which contain and encompass arespective inner tube which is inflated to provide the requiredrigidity. The outer sleeve comprises a fabric which is secured to orintegral with the fabric of the canopy. For example, the outer sleevemay comprise a section of fabric which is stitched along both lateraledges to provide a passageway for containing an inner tube(s) orbladder.

Each airbeam may comprise a number of inner tubes which are connectedtogether to form a contiguous inner tube for the airbeam. A valve may beprovided at each end of each inner tube section. These valves may beopened or closed to allow air to pass therethrough. Accordingly, eachinner tube section can be isolated. This can be useful if an inner tubesection fails (for example, is punctured or is otherwise leaking). Thismeans that the canopy 30 may still be adequately supported even thoughone (or more) airbeams (or inner tube sections) is punctured and isdeflated. This also enables an inner tube section to be removed andreplaced easily. Alternatively, the inner tube section can be repaired.

During assembly, the airbeams are all simultaneously inflated by asingle compressed air source. All of the inner tube sections areinterconnected and effectively form a single network for the compressedair. This enables a single compressed air source to be used withouthaving to provide numerous inlet valves located around the airbeamstructure. Valves may provide a weakness to the integrity of the airpressure and this therefore minimises this risk of failure at thesepotential weak locations.

In addition, the use of a single air source to supply the completeairbeam network also ensures that the canopy 30 is raised evenly. Thisis of particular importance with a folding camping 10. Folding campershave many permanently located fixtures and fittings on which the canopy30 is initially stored and laid on top of and from which the canopy 30is raised. Such fixtures and fittings provide and cause immovablepotential obstructions to the canopy 30 as it is raised. In particular,if the canopy 30 is raised from a first longitudinal end then this willdistort the canopy which is then likely to be snagged as the secondlongitudinal end is raised. Since the canopy 30 is raised automaticallywith the inflation of the airbeams, the continual inflation of theairbeams may cause the canopy to be ripped on such obstructions. In suchan arrangement, it may be necessary to partially inflate some airbeamsslowly and then partially inflate other airbeams slowly prior to fullyinflating all of the airbeams or to perform a similar inflationsequence. This operation may need to be undertaken in a controlledmanner with a user continually monitoring the inflation of the airbeams.Accordingly, such an operation is time consuming and requires severalinlet valves and/or several compressed air sources. This problem is notas relevant or significant with a simple tent structure since a tentdoes not include a permanent floor with fixtures and fittings which actas obstacles.

The single compressed air source is provided by a compressor 70 which islocated within a dedicated cabinet 72 or locker provided in a lateralside 91 of the trailer. This compressed air source is connected to, orconnectable to, the leisure battery which is used to supply power to thefolding camper and/or to any mover system. The compressor 70 isconnected to or connectable to the network of airbeams at a singlelocation. In some embodiments, the compressed air source may bepermanently attached to the airbeam network. Accordingly, the compressordoes not have to be connected to, and disconnected from, the airbeamnetwork. This may decrease the risk of problems with, and failure of, aninlet valve.

To operate, a user can simply switch the compressor on and wait andwatch as the airbeam network raises the canopy 30 to the requiredconfiguration. The airbeam network and/or compressor may comprise apressure limiter to prevent over inflation and damage to the airbeamnetwork. Accordingly, the user may not need to carefully monitor anddecide when the network is sufficiently inflated.

As mentioned above, during inflation, the airbeams are raised andpivoted into position and then pressurised to fully elevate and raisethe tent canopy 30 and to place the tent canopy 30 under the desiredtension. This tension of the tent canopy 30 provides taut sides and ataut ceiling section around the complete accommodation area. The presentinvention does not require any guy (guide) ropes or any other tensioningmeans and the tent canopy is placed under the desired tension solely bythe airbeam structure together with the securement of the canopy aroundthe trailer.

Prior art inflated structures require further tensioning systems whichcomplicates the erection of the structure and provides furthermechanisms and components which may fail or interfere with the raisingof the canopy. For example, guy (guide) ropes tend to get snagged orwrapped around components during the erection and these need to becarefully monitored during the raising procedure.

The airbeams support the canopy at a height which enables the foldingcamper 10 to provide an increased accommodation area whilst stillenabling the folding camper 10 to be assembled and collapsed into arelatively compact box 18. In particular, the final height of theairbeams 41, 42, 43, 49, 45, 46, 47 is greater than half thelongitudinal length of the box 18. For example, the overall length ofall the airbeams 41, 42, 43, 49, 45, 46, 47 in the erect/assembledconfiguration may be 75% of the full length of the box or 150% of thelength of the respective cover section.

The use of deflatable airbeams enables the folding camper to providepractically any headroom. A folding camper utilising rigid poles isgenerally restricted in height due to the folding mechanism of the polesinto the trailer and the storage of the rigid poles for transportation.With rigid poles, the height may be restricted to being half the lengthof the trailer to enable both frames to be pivoted into or out of thetrailer and to enable the poles to be stored in the trailer duringtransportation. Alternatively, the rigid poles may be modular or involvea complicated mechanism to enable the rigid poles to be collapsed intothe trailer. Such mechanisms will increase the cost of production, theerection time and are also more likely to fail through use. The presentinvention thereby provides a simple, easy to use system which is alsorobust with use.

The airbeams 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47 in a frame 40, 44 may have differinglengths and the intermediate airbeam 42, 46 may be shorter than thefront airbeam 41, 45 and/or the rear airbeam 43, 47.

The present invention provides deflatable airbeams which enables theaccommodation area to be maximised and to also provide a simple and easypackaging method whilst maintaining all the interior accommodation areain a covered and sheltered state at all times during the assembly andpackaging.

The airbeams 45, 46, 47 of the rear frame 36 extend from a firstsecurement member 54 mounted on a first lateral side 91 of the box 18 toa second securement member mounted (not shown) on a second oppositelateral side of the box 18. Each airbeam 45, 46, 47 has two respectivelongitudinal ends which are permanently fixed to the respectivesecurement members 54. In the present invention, these securementmembers orientate the airbeams and direct the inflation of the airbeams.

The securement members 54 comprise brackets mounted adjacent to the rearcorners of the box 18 and also adjacent to the top edge of the box 18.

The tent canopy 30 is secured at a rear edge to an edge of the rearcover section 24 which is opposite the hinged edge of the rear coversection 24. The tent canopy 30 is also secured to the side edges of therear cover section 24. Accordingly, as the rear cover section 24 ispivoted over the rear edge of the box 18, this movement causes the tentcanopy 30 to locate in a ready to raise position.

During assembly, the airbeams 45, 46, 47 are simply inflated intoposition and this action fully elevates and raises the tent canopy 30.This action, together with the simultaneous elevation of the front frame34, places the tent canopy 30 under the desired tension such that thetent canopy 30 provides taut sides and a taut ceiling section around thecentral and rear (and front) accommodation areas.

In the fully assembled and erect configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG.2 and FIG. 3, the tent canopy 30 provides a spacious accommodation areawith the lengths of the airbeams and the height of the tent canopy 30being greater than 50% of the length of the box 18 of the trailer. Aspreviously explained, this is achieved through the use of inflatableairbeams which are easily stored when deflated. The airbeams are in aninflated state for the assembled position and in a deflated (uninflated)state for packaging and storing.

The folding camper 10 in the assembled configuration provides a frontaccommodation area, a middle accommodation area and a rear accommodationarea.

In order to pack and disassemble the folding camper the reverse of theassembly sequence is performed. The compressor 70 may have a suctionmechanism or capability such that air can be forced out and withdrawnfrom the airbeams to provide the deflated configuration with theairbeams in a compact configuration. This avoids the need for a user totry to manually squeeze air out of the elongate airbeams which wouldinevitably be difficult and leave a significant amount of air within thenetwork.

One advantage of the present invention is that the tent section of thefolding camper 10 is attached to the top of the box section of thetrailer part at all times. As a result of this permanent fixture, itmeans that when the trailer is opened out (by opening up the two lidsthat form the end beds) the tent opens out at the same time. Thisarrangement this makes erection very quick and means that the interiorof the camper 10 is always under cover. For example, when arriving at acampsite, the trailer can be opened up with minimal effort and time sothat the kids can be inside the camper and not get bored and/or wet.

The large curvature of the airbeams in the present invention is a verydistinct feature compared to existing folding campers currently on themarket that utilise straight poles with very angular tent construction.

The assembly/erection process (and subsequently the closure) could bedone utilizing a single compressor potentially operated by remotecontrol.

Overall the present invention provides a folding camper 10 is arrangedto be assembled by simultaneously inflating a single airbeam network toput the canopy 30 in tension and to make the canopy 30 taut. The foldingcamper 10 does not require any auxiliary tensioning system or mechanismfor the canopy since this is provided intrinsically by the connection ofthe lower edge of the canopy around the trailer and due to the geometryof the airbeam network and, in particular, the central longitudinalairbeam 80. The present invention uses a single airbeam network whichsimply inflates into position and maintains the interior of the foldingcamper 10 in a sheltered state. The final assembled height of theaccommodation area is maximised through the use of deflatable airbeamswhich can be easily stored in the box 18.

As mentioned above, the preferred embodiment comprises curved/arcuate orhooped airbeams (lateral and/or longitudinal) since angled airbeams havea tendency to snag on the internal fixtures when erecting. Naturallythis is not an issue with an awning or ground tent as there are nointernal fittings on initial set up, but when on a folding camper it isa problem as internal fitting are ever present. The curved/hooped airpoles inflate more evenly and rise in more uniformed manner, minimisingsnagging.

Also, unlike awnings and tents, a folding camper has no guy ropes anddoes not need pegging out, so our air tent design is anchored around theperiphery of the trailer instead of being pegged out. However, with ourhooped pole style of tent we have found that the design necessitateshaving to be pegged out to create tension in the roof. We have overcomethis by incorporating a ridge pole into our design to negate itrequiring pegging out to facilitate the tension in the roof.

Existing fixed pole design camper trailers require the tent to move inan awning channel when deploying, the canopy (awning) of the presentinvention can be static making it less susceptible to wear & tear.

Overall the hooped tent design maximizes internal volume, as well asmaximising effectiveness against high winds as it is more aerodynamic.This is necessary as, unlike an awning, the tent is not supported by asolid structure from one side, and unlike a ground tent is not peggedout with guy ropes.

Integrating a compressor & power source into the trailer of the presentinvention means that cumbersome stand alone units don't have to be usedto inflate the tent.

The chambers/sleeves for the air poles/chambers are stitched and/orintegral with the main canopy along the full length.

In the preferred embodiment, the chambers of the airbeams all flow intoeach other at the intersections, to form cross shaped intersections.

The present invention uses a single compressor connector andinter-connectors which link all the air poles to enable all the airpoles to be simultaneously inflated. Preferably the compressor willprovide compressed air to a single inlet for the air pole framework

The airbeams include inner tubes which locate in sleeves to provide theair poles/airbeams. There are a number of inner tubes linked together byvalve connectors to form each air pole/airbeam. At the interconnectingsections, i.e. where the three lateral air poles appear to converge,there is a valve connector which links all the air poles to enable allthe air poles to be simultaneously inflated. The valve connectors enablea particular section to be isolated if a leak/puncture occurs.

The canopy remains permanently secured to the storage box as the as thetent is assembled from the transportation configuration to the assembledconfiguration (and vice versa, i.e. from the assembled configurationback to the storage configuration). Specifically the canopy is securedto the box in the transportation configuration and the canopy is securedto the box in the assembled configuration such that the canopy(always/permanently) remains secured to the storage box as the tent isassembled from the transportation configuration to the assembledconfiguration.

In the assembled configuration the tent comprises a tensegritystructure. In particular (in the assembled configuration), the lateralinflatable members together with the canopy provide a stable threedimensional structure without any external structural componentsrequired to provide the required structural stability, i.e. guy ropesetc. are not a requirement.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 the folding camper or camping assembly 2may be arranged for use with different transportation and methods andconfigurations.

FIG. 4A to 4E show the assembly sequence for a camping assembly2/folding camper 10 comprising a trailer which is arranged to be towedbehind a motor vehicle.

FIG. 5A to 5E show the assembly sequence for a tent assembly 2 in whichthe storage box 3 is located on the roof of a van 4. The tent isarranged to fold outwardly from the roof of the vehicle 4 and operatesin the same manner previously described above.

FIG. 6A to 6E show the assembly sequence for a tent assembly 2 in whichthe storage box is provided or mounted to the rear of a pick up truck 5.In this embodiment, only one of the cover folds out completely toprovide a horizontal support surface. The other cover is arranged topivot upwardly to a vertical position. The storage box 3 still providesa footprint but additionally provides a wall in this embodiment.

FIG. 7A to 7E shows the assembly sequence for a tent assembly 2 providedin a discrete box. The storage 3 box is located and supported directlyon the ground. As above, the tent and the associated integral supportstructure concertina and fold outwardly form the box 3 and the box 3subsequently provides the base footprint of the assembled tent.

The longitudinal support member 80 may be provided in different formatsas shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a longitudinal support member 80 in the form ofa tension strap 100 which is secured to the canopy 30 in order to helpprovide the required tension in the assembled canopy 30. The tensionstrap 100 may comprise a textile strap which extends in a longitudinaldirection and in a central position between the front airbeam 41 of thefront frame 34 and the rear airbeam 47 of the rear frame 36. The tensionstrap 100 may have one or more tension devices or mechanism to adjustthe tension within the strap 100. For example, the tension strap 100 maybe engaged with a buckle which is attached to an edge of the box 3. Thetension strap 100 may have such a tension mechanism at each end thereof.

Alternatively, the necessary tension for the canopy 30 may be providedintrinsically by the material of the canopy 30 itself. The canopy 30 mayalso be tensioned in an adjustable way to the edge of the box 3 to alterthe tension. The tension may help to maintain the space between thelateral support members and maintain the canopy 30 in a tautconfiguration.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the longitudinal support member 80 in the form ofan air pole or air beam 80 which is secured to the canopy 30 in order tohelp provide the required tension in the assembled canopy 30. The airbeam 80 extends in a longitudinal direction and in a central positionbetween the front airbeam 41 of the front frame 34 and the rear airbeam47 of the rear frame 36. The air beam 80 is simply inflated to providethe required tension along the spine of the tent canopy 30.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the longitudinal support member 80 in the form ofa rigid pole 102 which is secured to the canopy 30 in order to helpprovide the required tension in the assembled canopy 30. The rigid pole102 extends in a longitudinal direction and in a central positionbetween the front airbeam 41 of the front frame 34 and the rear airbeam47 of the rear frame 36. The rigid pole 102 may be formed in sectionswhich extend between adjacent lateral air beams. The length of eachsection may be adjustable in order to maintain the correct tension andspacing between the lateral air beams. Each section may comprise atelescopic pole section including a clamping mechanism 104 to controlthe telescopic operation.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the longitudinal support member 80 in the form ofa flexi pole 106 which is secured to the canopy 30 in order to helpprovide the required tension in the assembled canopy 30. The flexi poleextends in a longitudinal direction and in a central position betweenthe front airbeam 41 of the front frame 34 and the rear airbeam 47 ofthe rear frame 36. The flexi pole 106 may be collapsible in sections fortransportation/storage purposes. The flexi pole 106 may comprise afibreglass tent pole.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the number of lateral support members may bealtered. The support structure may comprise two lateral support members41, 42 in the front frame 40 and two lateral support members 46, 47 inthe rear frame 44. The support structure may include one (single) ormore (a plurality) central lateral support members 108. This centrallateral support member 108 may help to provide the required or desiredheight in the middle section of the tent.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts adjacent inner tube sections 120, 121connected together by a connector 122 comprising a connecting valve 123.

In some embodiments the bed sections (and covers etc.) may open from thesides rather than the ends of the trailer tub (storage box). Furthermoresome embodiments may have a single rather than a double fold outmechanism. The terms longitudinal and lateral are hereby made withreference to the extent and direction of the assembled tent such thatthe lateral support members extend across the tent and the longitudinalextends along the main length of the tent.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A camping assembly comprising a storage boxand a tent, wherein the storage box is arranged to contain the tent in atransportation configuration and wherein the tent is arranged to beassembled from the storage box whilst remaining attached to the storagebox, the tent comprising a canopy secured to a support structure forsupporting the canopy in an assembled configuration; wherein the supportstructure comprises a plurality of lateral inflatable support members;wherein, in the assembled configuration, the box provides a fixedfootprint about which the canopy is secured and the support structuretensions the canopy in the assembled configuration; and wherein thecanopy is secured to the box in the transportation configuration and thecanopy is secured to the box in the assembled configuration such thatthe canopy remains secured to the storage box as the tent is assembledfrom the transportation configuration to the assembled configuration,and characterised in that: the storage box has a longitudinal lengthextending from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end, inan assembled configuration, the lateral support members extend laterallyacross the storage box and a longitudinal support member extendslongitudinally along the storage box, the lateral inflatable supportmembers provide a first frame and a second frame, an accommodation areais arranged to extend outwardly from at least one longitudinal end ofthe storage box, and the longitudinal support member comprises a singlecentral longitudinal inflatable support member to maintain the canopy ina taut state in the assembled configuration and the longitudinalinflatable support member retains separation distances between thelateral support members and prevents the lateral support members frombeing concertinaed together under stress.
 2. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 1 in which a first portion of the accommodation areais arranged to extend outwardly from the first longitudinal end of thestorage box, and a second portion of the accommodation area is arrangedto extend outwardly from the second longitudinal end of the storage box.3. The camping assembly according to claim 1 in which the longitudinalsupport member extends from the first longitudinal end of the campingassembly to the second longitudinal end of the camping assembly and thelongitudinal support member extends centrally along a central linebetween lateral sides of the camping assembly.
 4. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 1 in which the longitudinal support member extendsbetween a front most lateral support member of the first frame and arear most lateral support member of the second frame.
 5. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which: the first frame comprises threelateral airbeams comprising a front airbeam, a middle airbeam and a rearairbeam and the length of each airbeam within the first frame isdifferent wherein the length of the front airbeam is greater than thelength of the middle airbeam and the length of the rear airbeam isgreater than the front airbeam and the middle airbeam; and the secondframe comprises three lateral airbeams comprising a front airbeam, amiddle airbeam and a rear airbeam and the length of each airbeam withinthe second frame is different wherein the length of the front airbeam isgreater than the length of the middle airbeam and the length of the rearairbeam is greater than the front airbeam and the middle airbeam.
 6. Thecamping assembly according to claim 1 in which: each lateral airbeamwithin the first frame has two respective longitudinal ends which arepermanently fixed to the respective first and second connectors toprovide airflow between the airbeams and equalise the pressure withinthe airbeams and also to synchronise the inflation of the airbeams; andeach lateral airbeam within the second frame has two respectivelongitudinal ends which are permanently fixed to respective the thirdand fourth connectors to provide airflow between the airbeams andequalise the pressure within the airbeams and also to synchronise theinflation of the airbeams.
 7. The camping assembly according to claim 1in which, in the assembled configuration, the camping assembly comprisesthree lateral airbeams located in parallel vertical planes such that theaccommodation area comprises a central accommodation area, a first endsleeping accommodation area at a first end of the accommodation area,and a second end sleeping accommodation area at a second end of theaccommodation area, and the central accommodation area provides anincreased height area compared to the first end sleeping accommodationarea and the second end sleeping accommodation area.
 8. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which a final inflated length of thelateral inflatable support members of the first frame and the secondframe is greater than half a longitudinal length of the box.
 9. Thecamping assembly according to claim 1 in which the lateral inflatablesupport members of the first frame extend from a first connector mountedon a first lateral side of the box to a second connector mounted on asecond opposite lateral side of the box and, in the assembledconfiguration, the first frame maintains the tent canopy in a raisedposition over a rigid cover.
 10. The camping assembly according to claim1 in which a rigid cover comprises a first cover section pivotallyconnected to the first end of the box to enable the first cover sectionto be pivoted over a first edge of the box and a second cover sectionpivotally connected to the second end of the box to enable the secondcover section to be pivoted over a second edge of the box.
 11. Thecamping assembly according to claim 10 in which the lateral inflatablesupport members of the first frame extend from a first connector mountedon a first lateral side of the box to a second connector mounted on asecond opposite lateral side of the box and, in the assembledconfiguration, the first frame maintains the tent canopy in a raisedposition over the first cover section, and the lateral inflatablesupport members of the second frame extend from a third connectormounted on the first lateral side of the box to a fourth connectormounted on the second opposite lateral side of the box and, in theassembled configuration, the second frame maintains the tent canopy in araised position over the second cover section.
 12. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 10 in which a final inflated length of the lateralinflatable support members of the first frame is greater than 150% of alength of the first cover section, and a final inflated length of thelateral inflatable support members of the second frame is greater than150% of a length of the second cover section.
 13. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 1 in which the camping assembly comprises a wheeledvehicle.
 14. The camping assembly according to claim 1 in which thecamping assembly comprises a folding camper and the folding campercomprises a wheeled rigid trailer providing the box.
 15. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which the support structure solelytensions the canopy in the assembled configuration.
 16. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which each lateral support member andthe longitudinal support member remain attached to the canopy in thetransportation configuration and in the assembled configuration andremain attached to the canopy as the tent is assembled from thetransportation configuration to the assembled configuration.
 17. Thecamping assembly according to claim 1 in which each lateral inflatablesupport member provides a single curved lateral support member.
 18. Thecamping assembly according to claim 1 in which the camping assemblyfurther comprises a compressor and wherein the compressor is arranged toinflate each inflatable lateral support member from a storedconfiguration to an assembled configuration.
 19. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 1 in which the tent assembly comprises deflationmeans to deflate the inflatable support members.
 20. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which the canopy is solely supported bythe support members in an assembled configuration.
 21. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which the canopy is maintained in ataut condition solely by the support members.
 22. The camping assemblyaccording to claim 1 in which each inflatable support member comprises aseries of linked contiguous inner tube sections and adjacent inner tubesections are connected together by a connector comprising a connectingvalve and wherein the connecting valve comprises a valve switch toselectively connect or isolate chambers of two adjacent inner tubesections.
 23. The camping assembly according to claim 1 in which thecanopy is fixed around a lower periphery to a rigid periphery providedby the storage box.
 24. The camping assembly according to claim 23 inwhich the storage box provides a fixed anchorage to which the canopy issecured and the support structure solely tensions the canopy in theassembled configuration and without external tensioning devices.
 25. Thecamping assembly according to claim 1 in which a rigid cover provides aloading platform in a transit/storage configuration.
 26. The campingassembly according to claim 1 in which the lateral inflatable supportmembers and the longitudinal inflatable support member provide a singleinflatable network.
 27. The camping assembly according to claim 1 inwhich, in the assembled configuration, the canopy is solely supported bythe support structure such that the height of the tent is provided bythe support structure, and lateral and longitudinal stability isprovided by the support structure, canopy and footprint securementprovided by the storage box.
 28. The camping assembly according to claim1, wherein the longitudinal support member extends from a front lateralsupport member of the first frame to a rear lateral support member ofthe second frame.
 29. The camping assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe longitudinal support member is provided in sections with individualsections extending between adjacent lateral support members and whereinthe sections are linear and include an inner tube with a connectingintersection being provided at the junction between the lateral supportmember and the longitudinal support member.
 30. A The camping assemblyaccording to claim 29, wherein in which each inflatable support membercomprises a series of linked contiguous inner tube sections, andadjacent inner tube sections are connected together by a connectorcomprising a connecting valve and wherein the connecting valve comprisesa valve switch to selectively connect or isolate chambers of twoadjacent inner tube sections.
 31. A method of assembling a campingassembly, the camping assembly comprising: a storage box and a tent,wherein the storage box is arranged to contain the tent in atransportation configuration and wherein the tent is arranged to beassembled from the storage box whilst remaining attached to the storagebox, the tent comprising a canopy secured to a support structure forsupporting the canopy in an assembled configuration; wherein the supportstructure comprises a plurality of lateral inflatable support members;wherein, in the assembled configuration, the box provides a fixedfootprint about which the canopy is secured and the support structuretensions the canopy in the assembled configuration, wherein: the storagebox has a longitudinal length extending from a first longitudinal end toa second longitudinal end, in an assembled configuration, the lateralsupport members extend laterally across the storage box and alongitudinal support member extends longitudinally along the storagebox, the lateral inflatable support members provide a first frame and asecond frame, and an accommodation area is arranged to extend outwardlyfrom one longitudinal end of the storage box, wherein the canopy issecured to the box in the transportation configuration and the canopy issecured to the box in the assembled configuration such that the canopyremains secured to the storage box as the tent is assembled from thetransportation configuration to the assembled configuration, and thelongitudinal support member comprises a single central longitudinalinflatable support member to maintain the canopy in a taut state in theassembled configuration and the longitudinal inflatable support memberretains separation distances between the lateral support members andprevents the lateral support members from being concertinaed togetherunder stress; the method comprising: maintaining the canopy secured tothe storage box as the tent is assembled from the transportationconfiguration to the assembled configuration; and inflating the supportstructure comprising the plurality of lateral inflatable supportmembers.
 32. The method of assembling a camping assembly according toclaim 31 in which the method comprises opening the storage box andfolding the tent outwardly therefrom.
 33. A camping assembly comprisinga storage box and a tent, wherein the storage box is arranged to containthe tent in a transportation configuration and wherein the tent isarranged to be assembled from the storage box whilst remaining attachedto the storage box, the tent comprising a canopy secured to a supportstructure for supporting the canopy in an assembled configuration;wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of lateralinflatable support members; wherein, in the assembled configuration, thebox provides a fixed footprint about which the canopy is secured and thesupport structure tensions the canopy in the assembled configuration;wherein the canopy is secured to the box in the transportationconfiguration and the canopy is secured to the box in the assembledconfiguration such that the canopy remains secured to the storage box asthe tent is assembled from the transportation configuration to theassembled configuration, and wherein: the storage box has a longitudinallength extending from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinalend, in an assembled configuration, the lateral support members extendlaterally across the storage box and a longitudinal support memberextends longitudinally along the storage box, the lateral inflatablesupport members provide a first frame and a second frame, anaccommodation area is arranged to extend outwardly from one longitudinalend of the storage box, the first frame comprises three lateral airbeamscomprising a front airbeam, a middle airbeam and a rear airbeam and thelength of each airbeam within the first frame is different wherein thelength of the front airbeam is greater than the length of the middleairbeam and the length of the rear airbeam is greater than the frontairbeam and the middle airbeam, and the second frame comprises threelateral airbeams comprising a front airbeam, a middle airbeam and a rearairbeam and the length of each airbeam within the second frame isdifferent wherein the length of the front airbeam is greater than thelength of the middle airbeam and the length of the rear airbeam isgreater than the front airbeam and the middle airbeam.
 34. A campingassembly comprising a storage box and a tent, wherein the storage box isarranged to contain the tent in a transportation configuration andwherein the tent is arranged to be assembled from the storage box whilstremaining attached to the storage box, the tent comprising a canopysecured to a support structure for supporting the canopy in an assembledconfiguration; wherein the support structure comprises a plurality oflateral inflatable support members; wherein, in the assembledconfiguration, the box provides a fixed footprint about which the canopyis secured and the support structure tensions the canopy in theassembled configuration; wherein the canopy is secured to the box in thetransportation configuration and the canopy is secured to the box in theassembled configuration such that the canopy remains secured to thestorage box as the tent is assembled from the transportationconfiguration to the assembled configuration, and wherein: the storagebox has a longitudinal length extending from a first longitudinal end toa second longitudinal end, in an assembled configuration, the lateralsupport members extend laterally across the storage box and alongitudinal support member extends longitudinally along the storagebox, the lateral inflatable support members provide a first frame and asecond frame, an accommodation area is arranged to extend outwardly fromone longitudinal end of the storage box, and each inflatable supportmember comprises a series of linked contiguous inner tube sections, andadjacent inner tube sections are connected together by a connectorcomprising a connecting valve, and the connecting valve comprises avalve switch to selectively connect or isolate chambers of two adjacentinner tube sections.